NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Cancer Drugs Circulating Nationwide

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a nationwide alert over the circulation of counterfeit cancer medications, specifically Avastin and Tecentriq, warning that the fake products pose serious health risks to patients.

In a public notice, the agency confirmed the discovery of falsified batches of Avastin 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab) and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml (Atezolizumab) within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain. The warning followed reports from Roche Nigeria, which flagged multiple complaints from healthcare professionals who suspected the drugs to be fake.

According to the agency, several patients had presented the medicines at hospitals after purchasing them at suspiciously low prices, ranging between N180,000 and N350,000—far below standard market value.

Investigations by Roche Nigeria revealed clear differences between the reported samples and original products, confirming the presence of counterfeit packaging materials. Authorities highlighted discrepancies such as invalid batch numbers, poor-quality printing, incorrect text alignment, and irregular serialisation and tamper-proof labels.

The affected Avastin batches were identified as H4239A70, H2290A34, and A3508B02, while Tecentriq batch B3071A12 was also flagged as counterfeit. However, the agency noted that laboratory analysis could not be conducted due to the absence of physical samples, as the investigation relied on photographs submitted by complainants.

NAFDAC cautioned that fake oncology drugs could contain wrong or no active ingredients, dangerous contaminants, or incorrect dosages. It warned that such products may lead to treatment failure, worsening of illness, severe side effects, or even death.

To curb the spread, the agency has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify market surveillance and ensure the removal of the counterfeit medicines from circulation.

It also advised importers, distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to exercise caution by sourcing drugs only from authorised channels. Members of the public were urged to report any suspected counterfeit medicines through official NAFDAC reporting platforms.

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